Step Up for MSWA

Sunday 20th June 2021, saw the return of the ever popular Step Up for MSWA in Western Australia (WA) held at Central Park in the centre of Perth.

A record number of 1239 participants climbed 1103 steps (53 flights/600 metres) from all over Australia and the World. We climbed physically or virtually in 5 different categories to help raise over $252,000 for MSWA (formerly known as the Multiple Sclerosis of WA) to support and facilitate funds for people with Neurological Conditions.

There was a choice of five categories of climbs catered for all ages and abilities:

1 x Climb of 1103 steps (53 floors)

Very impressive results were given on the day with the Fastest Male time of 6:23 by Anthony Sciano and, Fastest Female in a time 8:21by Rachel Smith.

The Special Operations Group in full gear challenged themselves to complete multiple ascents to a height of Everest (8849m) divided amongst their team of 9. Over 100 members of the WA police, Firefighters, St John’s Ambulance, Doctors, Hospital Staff and for the first time were joined by the SES and Nurses.

Other very impressive individual results were by the every-day heroes of protective services and front-line workers. With a full Firefighters Gear known as “Extreme” was completed in 10:09.2 and a Double Up completed by Protective Services individual in 39:39.

Double Up - 2206 steps (106 flights),

If one wasn’t enough, there was up to a one hour break up to recover and ascend again. Very popular amongst climbers who like a “Double Challenge”!

Mini climb

A new family favourite category of a Mini Climb of 477 steps for kids, parents, grandparents or anyone who is new to this challenge. No timing but a great and fun introduction to our sport!

43 children took part and a record number of 120 climbers.

Multi Climb

New for 2021 was the Multi Climb for those with the stamina and pace to climb as many times as you like. We are pleased to inform, that legend SCA Member John Du Boulay and seasoned multi-climber completed 17 ascents! An exhilarating total 18,751 steps up in 3:11:32

Also ascending 17 times was Ross Chadwick in a time of 2:53:06.6 taking line honours.

Virtual Climbs

Whilst a few of us could not be there physically, SCA was there in a virtual spirit supporting our friends in the West with 6 Meetups in 3 different Capital Cities.

We were joined a far by our colleagues from USA, Mexico, Singapore, Malaysia, Bahrain and Germany,

The inside scoop

Joining us on event day was fellow Stair Climbing Member, Mick Dargan who physically achieved 3 ascents in an impressive PB of 8:16 achieving 9th overall.

We caught up with Mick to ask a few questions on his successfully day -

Q. How long have you been stair climbing and do you have any training tips -

A. I have been training for 3 years on stairs and my fitness is kept up at train stations and shopping centres stairs.

Q. Any tips to increase your endurance and stamina

A. My tip is running steep hills/repeat and mixing up the tempo!

Q. How would you describe the day?

A. Brilliantly organised with great support into the lead up and on the day by the organisational committee, volunteers and fellow climbers.

Finally we would like express our appreciation to Ms Arnya Tait and the crew of Step Up MSWA for allowing us to be part of and sharing your very successful day. Our appreciation goes out to every organisation who spend countless hours organising these stair climbs, our members for all your enthusiasm, the field of volunteers who help behind the scenes setting up and encouraging us on the day. All bring together individuals with differing fitness abilities, families, kids for fitness and fun, all whilst contributing to our young growing Sport of Stair Climbing.

THANK YOU

Step Up for MSWA 2021